World Football Injury Tracker: Week of Feb. 8 Report

With the weekend almost upon us, it's time to take a look at football's walking wounded to find out which players will make it out for their teams and which will be watching from the stands.

Here begins a new weekly feature at Bleacher Report, where we'll highlight the biggest clubs in Europe and look closely at their injury concerns heading into the big matches.

We'll be taking information from the clubs where possible, but also leaning on reputable sources to ensure the most up-to-date news on the fitness of your favorite players is right here where you need it.

Welcome to B/R's world football injury tracker for the week of February 8.

Arsenal

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Fixture: Sunderland vs. Arsenal, Saturday, 10 a.m. ET

Defender Thomas Vermaelen is definitely out for the Gunners with an ankle injury. Laurent Koscielny (calf) will have a fitness test before the game and could yet play at the Stadium of Light (Arsenal.com).

Aaron Ramsey (calf) is doubtful, having missed international duty with Wales this week, while Kieran Gibbs remains out with the thigh strain that prompted Arsene Wenger to sign Nacho Monreal in the January window (Mirror).

Barcelona

David Ramos/Getty Images

Fixture: Barcelona vs. Getafe, Sunday, 6 a.m. ET

The biggest miss for Barca this weekend will be Xavi, with the midfielder ruled out with a hamstring injury. He is expected to return for their Champions League clash with AC Milan on February 20 (FCBarcelona.com).

Liverpool

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Fixture: Liverpool vs. West Brom, Monday, 3 p.m. ET

Daniel Sturridge (thigh) and Raheem Sterling (dead leg) were ruled out of England senior and Under-21 duties respectively through injury this week, but both are expected to be back for Monday night's clash with West Brom at Anfield (Sky Sports).

Manchester United

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Fixture: Manchester United vs. Everton, Sunday, 11 a.m. ET

Manchester United look to have close to a full complement to draw from on Sunday, with Ashley Young (knee) and Michael Carrick (hip) having shaken injuries, and Phil Jones suitably recovered from contracting shingles.

"Ashley Young is fit again, Michael Carrick should be okay and Phil Jones will hopefully be okay," said Sir Alex Ferguson in Friday's press conference (ManUtd.com).

Real Madrid

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Fixture: Real Madrid vs. Sevilla, Saturday, 4 p.m.

Veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho (thigh) is doubtful for Real Madrid's home game with Sevilla (Goal.com), but Jose Mourinho appears to otherwise have a fairly clean bill of health in his squad—goalkeeper Iker Casillas (finger) being the notable exception.

Tottenham

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Fixture: Tottenham vs. Newcastle, Saturday, 7.45 a.m. ET

Jermain Defoe (ankle) will be out for "two to three weeks" according to Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, but Spurs do expect to welcome back Emmanuel Adebayor from African Cup of Nations duty on Saturday (BBC Sport).